Philip Johnston has been with the Daily Telegraph for more than 20 years. He is currently assistant editor and leader writer and was previously home affairs editor and chief political correspondent.

At least the press scrutinises MPs' pay

Full coverage of UK PoliticsWith newspapers going hammer and tongs at MPs and Michael Martin, the Speaker, over their allowances and expenses, it is noteworthy that their response to such attacks is a lot less high-handed than it used to be.Â

Unlike today's journalists, John Junor was summoned to explain himself

In December 1956, the Sunday Express ran an article criticising MPs over the allocation of petrol allowances at a time of rationing brought on by the Suez crisis. Written by John Junor, the editor, it read: "Tomorrow a time of hardship starts for everyone. For everyone? Include the politicians out of thatÂ…"

The MPs were furious. They accused Junor of contempt of parliament and constituted the fearsome Committee of Privileges to consider the case.

Junor was summoned to appear at the bar of the House where he was reprimanded by the Speaker. With a good deal of dignity, he apologised "for any imputation or reflections which I may have cast upon the honour and integrity of the Members of this HouseÂ….At no time did I intend to be discourteous to parliament. My only aim was to focus attention onÂ….the allocation of petrol, namely the petrol allowances given to political parties in the constituencies. In my judgment these allowances were a proper and, indeed, an inescapable subject of comment in a free Press. That was a view I held then and hold now, Sir, but I do regret, deeply and sincerely, that the manner in which I expressed myself should have been such as to be in contempt of this House."

Some MPs must be tempted to pull the same stunt again, though there would be a queue of journalists stretching out into Parliament Square if they did. It is a depressing thought; but can you any longer be in contempt of an institution that is increasingly held in such disregard by voters?